Tag Archives: sonoma wine country

Thinking of visiting Napa and Sonoma Wine Country this year and want to avoid peak season crowds? Consider a visit during the Spring or early Summer. Although both areas are popular year-round tourist destinations, wine country tends to be especially busy from late summer to mid-October during harvest “crush” season.

Take a fun Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour from San Francisco and enjoy a leisurely day of wine-tasting in California’s historic wine country. No need to worry about drinking and driving. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach across the Golden Gate Bridge to scenic Napa and Sonoma Valley. And yes… there’s free Wi-Fi onboard, as well as an expert friendly narrated tour guide to answer any questions and keep you entertained as you wind your way through picturesque wine country. Continue reading →

If you like wine-tasting in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful settings and you’re looking for a more laid-back and less touristy version of Napa Valley, consider a weekend getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country.

Save yourself time and hassle when planning your trip. The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau is a great resource for finding out everything you need to know about where to stay, where to eat, where to go wine-tasting… and more! Get maps and guides on events, activities and special deals that are going on throughout the year. Continue reading →

We recently attended Sonoma Valley’s “Feast of the Olive Dinner” – an extraordinary dining experience that attracts olive, food and wine aficionados from around the world. The annual dinner is held during Sonoma Valley Olive Season (January through February) – a two-month long wine country celebration featuring all things olive. The Feast of the Olive Dinner is so aptly named because it brings together 18 of Sonoma Valley’s top chefs and every bite of their incredible olive-inspired culinary creations was a feast to our palettes!

The intimate 150-person dinner was held in the stunning Vineyard Room at Ramekins Culinary School, nestled in downtown Sonoma. At first sight, the long expansive tables (which were set to perfection) looked like a scene out of a State Dinner. Each table had a dedicated team of executive chefs who prepared a unique five-course dinner of scrumptious olive-inspired dishes – and each course was paired with award-winning Sonoma Valley wines.

September and October are great times to visit San Francisco – the cool summer fog is gone. And in nearby Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine Country, harvest season is in full swing. As locals, we love playing tourist for the day – the “city by the bay” and surrounding areas offer so many fun things to do and see. Here are a few suggestions for visitors and locals alike:

1. Take a fun Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour. Book early because it sells out almost every day. Once an infamous Federal Penitentiary, Alcatraz (“The Rock” ) was home to Al “Scarface” Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud.The “Cell Block” audio walking tours are fascinating. See famous waterfront views of San Francisco Bay and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. Visit fun local attractions, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Victorian homes, North Beach… and more!